Grand Rapids Spanish Cuisine

Grand Rapids Spanish Cuisine | A Tapas Gem: San Chez A Tapas Bistro 🇪🇸 If you’re wandering around Grand Rapids and craving bold, flavorful Spanish food—look no further than San Chez A Tapas Bistro! This spot quickly became one of our favorite finds in the city, and by the end of the meal, we were already planning our next visit. From the first bite to the last, every dish hit the spot, and the whole experience felt like a little taste of Spain right in Michigan—total chef’s kiss! 😘 Let’s dive into the star dishes we tried—each one was a flavor explosion, and we didn’t have a single “miss”! First up: Fuego Shrimp 🍤. The name says it all—these shrimp had a lovely, gentle heat (not too spicy, just enough to wake up your taste buds!) paired with a rich, savory sauce that we practically sopped up with bread. The shrimp were perfectly cooked—tender, juicy, and full of that fresh seafood flavor—and the sauce had little hints of garlic and herbs that made it impossible to resist. We kept going back for more, even when we thought we were full! Next, Queso con hierbas 🧀—herb-infused cheese that’s warm, creamy, and absolute comfort food. Served with crispy, crusty bread, this dish was perfect for sharing (though we might have fought over the last bite!). The cheese was melted just right—oozing but not runny—and the herbs added a bright, fresh kick that kept it from feeling heavy. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy and indulgent, like a hug in food form. Then there’s the Pato 🦆—duck prepared with that classic Spanish flair. The duck meat was so tender it practically fell off the fork, and it was coated in a sweet-tart glaze that balanced the richness of the duck perfectly. We were shocked by how well the sweet notes worked here—there was a hint of fruit (maybe fig or plum?) in the glaze that cut through the savory duck, creating a flavor layer that made us go “wow” with every bite. It’s not often you find duck cooked this well at a casual tapas spot, but San Chez nailed it! We also tried Empanadas 🥟—crispy, flaky pastry filled with a savory mix (we went with the meat option, but they have veggie too!). The crust was golden and crunchy, and the filling was packed with flavor—spiced just right, with a little bit of moisture so it didn’t feel dry. They’re the perfect “handheld” tapas—great for popping in your mouth between sips of wine (if you’re having a drink!) or sharing with friends. Last but definitely not least: Jamon y queso 🥓🧀—thinly sliced cured ham and a selection of cheeses. The ham was salty, fatty, and full of that authentic Spanish cured flavor, and the cheeses (a mix of soft and semi-hard) complemented it perfectly. Served with a little side of sweet jam, this dish was all about balance—salty, creamy, and sweet, all in one bite. It’s simple, but done so well that it felt special. One of the best things about San Chez? The thoughtful flavor balancing—every dish had a subtle, unexpected touch of sweetness that made the flavors pop without being overwhelming. Whether it was the glaze on the duck, a hint of honey in the empanada filling, or the jam with the ham and cheese, that sweet note tied everything together, making each bite feel layered and satisfying. Nothing was too heavy or greasy—even the creamy cheese and tender duck felt light enough that we could enjoy every dish without feeling stuffed halfway through. We were a little nervous at first because the menu is mostly in Spanish (our Spanish skills are very rusty! 😅), but the waitstaff saved the day! They were so friendly and helpful—they walked us through their top recommendations, explained what each dish was, and even adjusted suggestions based on what we like. We ended up ordering four tapas plus a cheese board, and let me tell you: two people were more than full by the end. No need to overorder—their portions are generous for tapas, which is a nice change from spots that skimp! 🍴 Restaurant: San Chez A Tapas Bistro📍 Address: 38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 #FoodExploration#Brunch#SpanishCuisine#GrandRapids#GrandRapidsEats#MyFoodDiary#DailyEats